hermana menor
/eɾmana menoɾ/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase for little sister is hermana menor.
The phrase hermana menor is used to refer to a female sibling who is younger than the speaker.
What does it mean word for word?
This phrase is composed of hermana (sister) and menor (younger or minor).
Which one should you use?
To say 'older sister' instead of 'little sister', replace menor with mayor to get hermana mayor.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and some parts of Central America, the phrase hermanita chiquita may be used to convey a stronger sense of endearment.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, both the noun and the adjective must be pluralized, resulting in hermanas menores.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɾmana menoɾ/
Did you know?
- The word hermana comes from the Latin word germāna, which means 'full sister' or 'born from the same seed'.
- Spanish uses the same word menor for 'little sister' as it does to describe a 'minor key' in music theory.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, you might call your little sister hermanita even if she is much older than you, using the diminutive to show affection rather than actual size.
Examples in context
- Mary era como una hermana menor para mí.Mary was like a little sister to me.This example shows how someone might be compared to a hermana menor.Tatoeba #9453555 by ignacio, translation #9439808 by CK
- Mi hermana menor ya puede leer bien libros.My little sister can read books well now.This sentence uses hermana menor to describe a sibling's ability to read.Tatoeba #1713356 by marcelostockle, translation #322323 by CK
- A mi hermana menor le duele un diente desde esta noche.My little sister has been suffering with a toothache since last night.This sentence uses hermana menor to describe a sibling's toothache.Tatoeba #2857760 by Besatnias, translation #1503708 by CK
- Mi hermanita me acompaña a la conferenciaMy little sister is accompanying me to the conference
- Mi hermana menor es muy inteligenteMy little sister is very intelligent
- ¿Quieres venir al cine conmigo, hermanita?Do you want to come to the movies with me, little sister?
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are talking about their families at a cafe.
- Sofía¿Tienes hermanos, Alejandro?Do you have siblings, Alejandro?
- AlejandroSí, tengo una hermana menor.Yes, I have a little sister.
- Sofía¡Qué bien! ¿Cómo se llama tu hermana menor?That's great! What is your little sister's name?
- AlejandroSe llama Lucía.Her name is Lucia.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hermana, menor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
